The most recommended assistance dog books

Who picked these books? Meet our 11 experts.

11 authors created a book list connected to assistance dog, and here are their favorite assistance dog books.
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Book cover of Alice Eloise's Silver Linings: The Story of a Silly Service Dog

Michal Babay Author Of I'm a Gluten-Sniffing Service Dog

From my list on children’s books about service dogs.

Why am I passionate about this?

I am a mother, author, teacher, and animal lover. I write humorous picture books focused on gratitude, persistence, and joy. My inspiration for writing I'm a Gluten-Sniffing Service Dog came from my oldest daughter’s painful celiac struggles, which included steroids and hospitalizations. As I researched ways to keep her healthy long-term, without medication, I read more about gluten-sniffing dogs and how amazingly helpful they are for people with severely sensitive celiac disease. Fast forward a few years and now my daughter always has her best friend, Chewie, by her side: the goofiest, sweetest, most lovable gluten-sniffing poodle in town! I hope you enjoy these picture books showcasing disabilities and service dogs.

Michal's book list on children’s books about service dogs

Michal Babay Why did Michal love this book?

Another uplifting, “pawsitive,” diversity-inclusive book based on a real-life service dog! This wonderful story reminds kids to look for the silver linings in life, believe in themselves, and never give up. Readers will cheer for Alice Eloise as she overcomes obstacles and works hard to become the perfect silly service dog for her girl. Author Sarah Katherine Frey has overcome numerous health obstacles in her life, yet she always looks for the silver lining. Help promote empathy and disability inclusion in readers by joining Frey and Alice Eloise “on their journey as they go on adventures with a smile and a tail wag, making friends and finding joy wherever their paws may take them.” 

By Sarah Kathryn Frey, Kit Laurence Nacua (illustrator),

Why should I read it?

2 authors picked Alice Eloise's Silver Linings as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

How can you stay positive in the face of adversity? A service dog in training learns that how we face challenges can be bigger than the challenges themselves. Inspire kids to see the positive side of life with this heartwarming puppy dog tale. If we dream big and believe in ourselves, we can achieve most anything!

Alice Eloise’s Silver Linings is the true story of a silly Double Doodle pup named Alice Eloise who dreams of becoming a service dog. Follow Alice Eloise as she overcomes obstacles in her efforts to become a service dog, looking for silver linings along…


Book cover of Service Dog Training Guide: A Step-by-Step Training Program for You and Your Dog

Nate Schoemer Author Of Nate Schoemer's Dog Training Manual: Animal Planet's Dog Trainer Shares His Dog Training Secrets

From my list on dog understanding and communication.

Why am I passionate about this?

As far back as I can remember I’ve always loved canines and always wanted to make sure they were treated kindly. When I was a kid, I would bring a bag of dog treats with me to visit family and friends that I knew had dogs; I had to be very convincing too, or else people would’ve thought they were for me! But they could see it was a delight for me; while everyone would be inside talking, I would be outside with the pups. Eventually, this enthusiasm culminated with the creation of Nate Schoemer’s Dog Training Program, with a mission of improving the lives of dogs and their owners through education. 

Nate's book list on dog understanding and communication

Nate Schoemer Why did Nate love this book?

Jennifer is a personal friend of mine and is an excellent dog trainer. Her book covers much of the “need-to-know” basics regarding service dog training, and makes an excellent guide for those starting out. It goes well paired with my book. 😉

What makes this book special is that it breaks down how an owner can enter straight into the service dog training world. This is a very rewarding skill set that can be converted into an extremely fulfilling career for those interested in working in the field of training dogs to help people with disabilities, post-traumatic stress disorders, age-related conditions, and so many more circumstances.

The book captures the fundamentals like raising and training puppies, on up to the important points about service dog creation, which includes guiding the vision-impaired, audio-alert training for the hearing impaired, medical alert responses, and many more primary skillsets that can help someone on…

By Jennifer Hack,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked Service Dog Training Guide as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

Master service dog training at home with this easy step-by-step guide

Service dogs are life-changing for people with a range of physical and mental disabilities. But getting one can be complicated and expensive. The Service Dog Training Guide offers you an easy, step-by-step program for you and your dog to follow at home.

Bone up on everything from basic exercises to essential service dog tasks that will guide you and your dog on the best training path. You’ll also find an overview of different types of service and support dogs, breeds, and equipment for training. The step-by-step instructions will help…


Book cover of Raising a Hero

Michal Babay Author Of I'm a Gluten-Sniffing Service Dog

From my list on children’s books about service dogs.

Why am I passionate about this?

I am a mother, author, teacher, and animal lover. I write humorous picture books focused on gratitude, persistence, and joy. My inspiration for writing I'm a Gluten-Sniffing Service Dog came from my oldest daughter’s painful celiac struggles, which included steroids and hospitalizations. As I researched ways to keep her healthy long-term, without medication, I read more about gluten-sniffing dogs and how amazingly helpful they are for people with severely sensitive celiac disease. Fast forward a few years and now my daughter always has her best friend, Chewie, by her side: the goofiest, sweetest, most lovable gluten-sniffing poodle in town! I hope you enjoy these picture books showcasing disabilities and service dogs.

Michal's book list on children’s books about service dogs

Michal Babay Why did Michal love this book?

From the #1 best-selling children’s author of If You Give a Mouse a Cookie and If You Give… series, this story follows Max the puppy as he learns to become a service dog. Max is being trained by Sam, a young boy who knows Max can do it – if only he’d figure out how to stay under the table and ignore those delicious-smelling fries! Follow these two as Max works to earn his service vest and become a hero for someone special. An excellent conversation starter about service dogs and what it takes to be a puppy raiser. 

By Laura Numeroff, Lynn Munsinger (illustrator),

Why should I read it?

1 author picked Raising a Hero as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

From the beloved #1 New York Times best-selling children's author of If You Give a Mouse a Cookie and If You Give... series.

Max is a lovable and determined puppy with a lot to learn on his adventure of becoming someone's life-changing friend and helper. Max's puppy raiser, Sam, takes him everywhere; on the bus, to puppy kindergarten, and even to restaurants. But it's tough staying underneath the table when the french fries smell so good!

Discover all the fun and important ways Max earns his special yellow vest as he and Sam work together to help someone in need…


Book cover of Primal Force

Diane Kelly Author Of Paw Enforcement

From my list on doggedly determined dogs undaunted by disability.

Why am I passionate about this?

Being “mommy” to a deaf dog has taught me so much about canine disabilities, and how intelligent and capable dogs can be despite their limitations. I enjoy reading about other people who have gone through similar experiences with their dogs. These animals don’t let their disabilities stop them from leading full, fun lives. With their determination and positive attitudes, disabled dogs make wonderful role models!

Diane's book list on doggedly determined dogs undaunted by disability

Diane Kelly Why did Diane love this book?

In this romantic suspense novel, it’s veterans who are disabled rather than the dogs. The book stars a woman who trains canines to be service dogs for former military members. I enjoyed learning about the training process and everything the dogs can do for the people they serve, including the attractive romantic hero featured in the story. D.D. Ayres’s books are very well researched, and the reader comes away with quite a bit of knowledge. I like books with that kind of take-away value. The story was also very engaging, with the characters facing difficult challenges but finding hope and love through the process. 

By D.D. Ayres,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked Primal Force as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

Passion is always worth fighting for…

Jori Garrison trains dogs for Warrior Wolf Pack, which provides service animals for disabled veterans. Four years ago, she was wrongly convicted of a crime―thanks to her no-good ex- fiancé. Now she just wants to live her life in peace with her beloved dogs. No men, no complications. But it's hard to play it cool when a lethally hot male is on her tail―and the attraction is fierce, mutual, and dangerous….

PRIMAL FORCE

Lauray "Law" Batisse is a Military Police veteran who was wounded in Afghanistan. Haunted by the loss of his K-9 partner…


Book cover of The Spare Man

Paige E. Ewing Author Of Precise Oaths

From my list on sci-fi that blow raspberries at hero stereotypes.

Why am I passionate about this?

I’m a woman in a technology field dominated by men, a person with both mental and physical problems, and I’ve studied a dozen different martial arts. I’m a mean shot with a bow and love to hurl axes and spears. None of these things are contradictory. They’re just different aspects of me. Real people don’t fit in boxes and neither should good characters. My world is filled with my Hispanic grandkids, my bi daughter, my gay foster brother, my friends and family and people I love that don’t fit the Captain Awesome stereotype. Remember that we, too, can be heroes.

Paige's book list on sci-fi that blow raspberries at hero stereotypes

Paige E. Ewing Why did Paige love this book?

My mother has a service dog, and I’ve inherited a disability or two. The heroine in The Spare Man didn’t let her dog or her physical limitations stop her. She even used them to her advantage when she could.

I also loved how the book was an old-school Nick and Nora style murder mystery told in the far future on a space cruise ship. The author mixed those genres like she was mixing a tasty cocktail.

It was glorious fun from first page to last. And like all the stories on my list, it showed how much a hero can shine, no matter what gender or lack of gender she is, no matter how big or how small, what sort of personality or capability she has. It might be more of a mark of courage for a hero to find a friend than storm a castle, but that’s okay because…

By Mary Robinette Kowal,

Why should I read it?

4 authors picked The Spare Man as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

Hugo, Locus, and Nebula-Award winner Mary Robinette Kowal blends her no-nonsense approach to life in space with her talent for creating glittering high-society in this stylish SF mystery, The Spare Man.

Tesla Crane, a brilliant inventor and an heiress, is on her honeymoon on an interplanetary space liner, cruising between the Moon and Mars. She’s traveling incognito and is reveling in her anonymity. Then someone is murdered and the festering chowderheads who run security have the audacity to arrest her spouse. Armed with banter, martinis and her small service dog, Tesla is determined to solve the crime so that the…


Book cover of Our Service Dogs

Michal Babay Author Of I'm a Gluten-Sniffing Service Dog

From my list on children’s books about service dogs.

Why am I passionate about this?

I am a mother, author, teacher, and animal lover. I write humorous picture books focused on gratitude, persistence, and joy. My inspiration for writing I'm a Gluten-Sniffing Service Dog came from my oldest daughter’s painful celiac struggles, which included steroids and hospitalizations. As I researched ways to keep her healthy long-term, without medication, I read more about gluten-sniffing dogs and how amazingly helpful they are for people with severely sensitive celiac disease. Fast forward a few years and now my daughter always has her best friend, Chewie, by her side: the goofiest, sweetest, most lovable gluten-sniffing poodle in town! I hope you enjoy these picture books showcasing disabilities and service dogs.

Michal's book list on children’s books about service dogs

Michal Babay Why did Michal love this book?

Come meet a variety of service dogs and their superstar kids! This book introduces real-life service dog teams such as Kaylee and her dog Riley, Thunder the diabetes alert dog, and 6 other amazing fuzzy friends. The book also includes information on what to do when you meet a service dog in a store or anywhere in public. I love this book for many reasons (who wouldn’t love adorable kids and dogs!), but especially for the diversity and disability inclusion shown on every page.

By Amber Diane Hill,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked Our Service Dogs as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it. This book is for kids age 5, 6, 7, and 8.

What is this book about?

There are so many amazing dogs doing important jobs! Come with Kaylee and her service dog, Riley, as we meet 8 other kids and their service dogs. Then we will find out what to do when you see a service dog! This engaging, inclusive, educational read will help kids better understand the work service dogs do and how to act when they encounter one. Every team in the book is based on a real-life child who uses a service dog to help them navigate life with disability.


Book cover of Rescue and Jessica: A Life-Changing Friendship

Michal Babay Author Of I'm a Gluten-Sniffing Service Dog

From my list on children’s books about service dogs.

Why am I passionate about this?

I am a mother, author, teacher, and animal lover. I write humorous picture books focused on gratitude, persistence, and joy. My inspiration for writing I'm a Gluten-Sniffing Service Dog came from my oldest daughter’s painful celiac struggles, which included steroids and hospitalizations. As I researched ways to keep her healthy long-term, without medication, I read more about gluten-sniffing dogs and how amazingly helpful they are for people with severely sensitive celiac disease. Fast forward a few years and now my daughter always has her best friend, Chewie, by her side: the goofiest, sweetest, most lovable gluten-sniffing poodle in town! I hope you enjoy these picture books showcasing disabilities and service dogs.

Michal's book list on children’s books about service dogs

Michal Babay Why did Michal love this book?

I love everything about this book! Loosely based on the partnership between Boston Marathon bombing victim Jessica and her real-life service dog, this story is heart-warming and inspirational. Rescue grew up expecting to become a Seeing Eye dog, but when it turns out he’s better suited to being a service dog, Rescue worries he won’t be able to do the job. Then one day, he meets Jessica, whose life has also been turned upside down. Rescue and Jessica work together to help each other find a way forward, one step at a time. This book belongs in every school and home library!

By Jessica Kensky, Patrick Downes (, Scott Magoon (illustrator)

Why should I read it?

1 author picked Rescue and Jessica as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it. This book is for kids age 5, 6, 7, and 8.

What is this book about?

“An inspiring tale of compassion and perseverance.” —Booklist (starred review)

Rescue thought he’d grow up to be a Seeing Eye dog, but when he gets the news that he’s better suited to being a service dog, he’s worried that he’s not up to the task. Then he meets Jessica, a girl whose life is turning out differently than the way she’d imagined it, too. Now Jessica needs Rescue by her side to help her accomplish everyday tasks. And it turns out that Rescue can help Jessica see after all: a way forward, together, one step at a time. Based on…


Book cover of The Dog I Loved

Eileen Goudge Author Of All They Need to Know

From Eileen's 3 favorite reads in 2023.

Why am I passionate about this?

Author Baker

Eileen's 3 favorite reads in 2023

Eileen Goudge Why did Eileen love this book?

Who doesn’t love a good dog story? Not I! This novel had me with the dog depicted on its cover.

It’s about a wheelchair-bound war veteran, Meghan, and a woman newly released from prison, Rose, who are connected by the dog they both love. Rose trains the dog, Shark, while she’s incarcerated as part of a prison program. Meghan adopts Shark after he graduates the program as a service dog. When the two women meet, they form a deep bond as they each struggle to rebuild their shattered lives. 

For me, the mark of a good book is when I upload another title by the same author onto my Kindle immediately after reading it. This was such a book. No sooner had I turned the last page than I ordered another of Ms. Wilson’s dog books. Woof!  

By Susan Wilson,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked The Dog I Loved as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

New York Times bestselling author Susan Wilson is back another signature heartwarming audiobook—one that begs the question: Can a dog lead the way to finding one's humanity?

After spending years in prison for a crime she didn’t intend to commit, Rose Collins is suddenly free. Someone who knows about the good work she has done—training therapy dogs while serving time—has arranged for her early release. This mysterious benefactor has even set her up with a job in the coastal Massachusetts community of Gloucester, on the edge of Dogtown, a place of legend and, for the first time since Rosie's whole…


Book cover of Sago, A Very Special Service Dog

Michal Babay Author Of I'm a Gluten-Sniffing Service Dog

From my list on children’s books about service dogs.

Why am I passionate about this?

I am a mother, author, teacher, and animal lover. I write humorous picture books focused on gratitude, persistence, and joy. My inspiration for writing I'm a Gluten-Sniffing Service Dog came from my oldest daughter’s painful celiac struggles, which included steroids and hospitalizations. As I researched ways to keep her healthy long-term, without medication, I read more about gluten-sniffing dogs and how amazingly helpful they are for people with severely sensitive celiac disease. Fast forward a few years and now my daughter always has her best friend, Chewie, by her side: the goofiest, sweetest, most lovable gluten-sniffing poodle in town! I hope you enjoy these picture books showcasing disabilities and service dogs.

Michal's book list on children’s books about service dogs

Michal Babay Why did Michal love this book?

Diversity representation is a must in books for young readers, and Sago, A Very Special Service Dog, accomplishes this perfectly! Readers will meet Debbie, who is in a wheelchair, and her real-life service dog, Sago. A very sweet book to introduce young readers to these amazing dogs, the jobs they can do, and what to do when we encounter service dogs out and about in the world. 

By Beth Davis, Deborah Schilling (illustrator),

Why should I read it?

1 author picked Sago, A Very Special Service Dog as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

This colorfully illustrated story reveals the extraordinary true to life relationship between Debbie, a girl in a wheelchair, and her service dog, Sago. Sago, A Very Special Service Dog is a wonderful way to learn about the many ways service and working dogs assist people. Take a close look at the photographs and see a few real dogs in action. Sago, A Very Special Service Dog is a book that matters and makes a difference!


Book cover of A Big Little Life: A Memoir of a Joyful Dog Named Trixie

Lisa Redfern Author Of Phases of Gage: After the Accident Years

From Lisa's 3 favorite reads in 2023.

Why am I passionate about this?

Author DNA genealogy researcher California history storyteller & media maker Cartophile Close-call kefir exploder A philomath with too many books

Lisa's 3 favorite reads in 2023

Lisa Redfern Why did Lisa love this book?

Koontz hooked me as a reader devotee with Watchers. Along with hundreds of thousands of fans, I grew to love his (believable) talking dog character.

This non-fictional memoir of the retired service dog who shared her life with the Koontz family and their staff is incredibly special. Throughout the book are story vignettes with memory-sticking power, such as Koontz’s writing process and filtering publishing industry personalities through Trixie’s senses.

If you are a dog person or writer, this heartwarming tale will make you laugh, sigh, and cry.

By Dean Koontz,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked A Big Little Life as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER • In a profound, funny, and beautifully rendered portrait of a beloved companion, bestselling novelist Dean Koontz remembers the golden retriever who changed his life.

A retired service dog, Trixie was three when Dean and his wife, Gerda, welcomed her into their home. She was superbly trained, but her greatest gifts couldn’t be taught: her keen intelligence, her innate joy, and an uncanny knack for living in the moment. Whether chasing a tennis ball or protecting those she loved, Trixie gave all she had to everything she did, inspiring Dean and Gerda to trust their instincts…